Located on the west end of Jefferson Street in nostalgic Downtown Burlington, Iowa, The Som is centered around the experience—great food, strong drinks, familiar faces, and memorable nights.

 

After 15 years of bartending, serving, cooking, and cleaning at The Sombrero, owner Eric Lee took over in 2017. Now, nearly a decade later, The Som has become a go-to destination in Southeast Iowa for food you simply can’t find anywhere else locally.

 

Driven by a passion for cooking and a curiosity for bold, unique dishes, Eric has brought a level of flavor and creativity to Burlington that typically belongs in larger cities—without losing the small-town feel.

 

What was once a beloved downtown dive bar has been transformed into an exceptional restaurant with standout food and quality cocktails, while still holding onto the charm of an old tavern where everyone knows your name.

 

With over two decades dedicated to this space, Eric continues to push the experience forward—introducing exciting dishes, thoughtful cocktails, and something new for the community to discover every time they walk through the door.